Plaza de la Cultura "Not A Public Park"
Thousands daily pass through, sit on the benches, feed the pigeons and stop to take pictures or take in the sights in the small concrete part known as La Plaza de la Cultura on Avenida Central, adjacent to the Teatro Nacional in downtown San José.

And to the mistake of many, the concrete park is not public property but rather owned privately, as some vendors have found out as four security guards shoo them off, as they try to sell corn for the pigeons or hustle polaroid photos.

The plaza is actually owned by the Fundación de Museos del Banco de Costa Rica (the state bank's museum foundation) and is actually the roof of the "Museo de Oro" (gold museum) located below.

Because the plaza is private it can enforce who steps in and what goes on in the restricted area that has always been open to the public.

Guiselle Sanchéz, public relations officer for the Fundación, said that there is no objection to cultural activities or other activities that enhance the beauty of the plaza and that people should be able to enjoy the open space without being bothered.

Sanchéz added that, although theF undación has placed the security guards at the four corners of the plaza, it is not responsible for security, in the event of an assault for instance, of those enjoying the open space.